News: Sheffield City Region secures bigger Growth Deal

The Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership has agreed an expansion to its Growth Deal with the Government which will see an extra £30.7m invested in Sheffield City Region between 2016 and 2021.

The Government's model of local economic growth centres around Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), a collaboration between businesses and the local authorities that are placed at the heart of growth in the regions. In response to the Heseltine Review, the Government has charged LEPs with putting together local growth plans that will be the basis on which the Government negotiates deals with each LEP for new levers, resources, funding and flexibility over them.

The Sheffield City Region LEP submitted its final Strategic Economic Plan last April which set an ambitious target of creating 70,000 new jobs in the Sheffield City Region by 2023. In the Summer it was announced that the city region had secured £295.2m to support economic growth in the area.

After further funding for LEPs was announced in the recent Autumn Statement, the Sheffield City Region LEP had to prioritise an initial submission for "Growth Deal 2" in relation to three potential funding options provided by Government. An additional £30.7m has now been confirmed to take the total funding to £328m. Although not necessarily "new money," it is set to bring forward at least £530m of additional investment from local partners and the private sector.

Additional proposed projects including:

- Investment in Skills, capital investment in training facilities across the Sheffield City Region, to maintain and improve facilities for learners. This will include the creation of a new Rail Engineering Campus in Doncaster, bringing together a new £50m Centre of Excellence for Rail Engineering with the HS2 National College and other major facilities to make Doncaster the UK's capital for rail engineering skills.

- Further investment in the Business Support Programme to support local businesses to invest and grow, including its existing unlocking business growth programme

- Further investment in a Sustainable Transport Exemplar Programme to promote cycling, walking and public transport across the City Region

- A fund to speed up development in the Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone, creating new high quality employment premises and speeding up the delivery of jobs and further investment in the Enterprise Zone

- An investment to speed up delivery of the rail replacement programme for Sheffield's Supertram network

Lord Newby, Government Deputy Chief Whip (pictured), was in the region to announce the deal. He said that it builds on the initial Growth Deal, putting the tools in place to give local leaders an "unprecedented level of control over Government funding."

James Newman, chairman of the Sheffield City Region LEP, added: "There has been a lot of talk and seminars around devolution. Our approach is about influence - how we can influence policy and influence how the money is spent.

"A lot of LEPs have used the opportunity to "land grab" and go after funding. For us, it isn't all about the money. It's about getting the flexibility in place for a pot of money that the Government gives us and having the ability to respond to private sector need. It's a little at a time, the newly established combined authority is not yet ready to take more on. Sometimes it is a case of "Be careful what you ask for."

Speaking at the LEP's business conference, Newman, who is set to step down from his role in the Summer, concluded: "2015 is a year of opportunity for the Sheffield City Region. My legacy is for the private sector to be engrained in every aspect of economic development."

Sheffield City Region LEP website

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News: Another chance to get Ready for Business in Rotherham

A national start-up programme that is being delivered successfully in Rotherham is searching for tomorrow's business stars.

Ready for Business began in 2012 following support from the Government's Regional Growth Fund and Barclays. Supported by the National Enterprise Network (NEN) it has been operated by Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO) in Rotherham since September 2013, providing general business start-up training and support.

Government statistics recorded 1,934 new businesses registering in Rotherham in 2014, 721 more than the previous year, and an extra workshop is being held in the borough on Saturday, February 7, for people who can't get to the regular monthly sessions held on Thursdays.

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The programme is aimed at people who may have an idea for starting their own business or who may be ready to start and works with start-ups with a particular focus upon helping make those businesses investment ready.

Support ranges from one-to-one sessions with specialist advisers and potential links to loan funding. But it's a case of grab it while you can, as the programme, whose main backer is Barclays Bank, closes at the end of March.

In Rotherham, support includes an "Introduction to Self-employment Workshop", a shorter "Masterclasses" programme, which focuses on book-keeping, basic accounting and tax, and "one-to-one" support, where individuals work with an experienced business advisor, with the aim of getting viable business ideas to the point of start-up. Follow-up support is then provided in the first few months of businesses and as they mature.

Cllr Dominic Beck, Cabinet Member for Business Growth and Regeneration at Rotherham Council, said: "We've got a massively successful track record on supporting entrepreneurs. It's great to see us boosting that through practical sessions such as this."

Martyn Benson, RiDO start-up adviser, added: "These events give people confidence and a wealth of information."

The extra event will be held at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre in Templeborough from 9.30am to 4 pm. Bookings can be made online via the Ready for Business website.

RiDO website

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News: Magna "has amazing potential"

The management at Rotherham's Magna Science and Adventure Centre are confident that they can cut the need to borrow money from the local council and have exciting projects in the pipeline for increased income.

Rothbiz was first with the news yesterday that Rotherham Council's cabinet is being asked to approve further financial support, making loans of up to £350,000 available for the next financial year, but only if Magna can develop and demonstrate that they have a sustainable business model for the facility.

The authority has already agreed an additional emergency loan of £100,000 this month to help the venue cover essential immediate running costs – approved under the Interim Chief Executive's delegated powers. A fire at adjacent premises in December meant that some Christmas parties had to be cancelled.

Under the terms of that loan, the Council must agree each item to be paid for with the money. Any further support will be contingent on an external review.

Potential income opportunities that would reduce Magna's reliance on the Council are set to be discussed by the Council's cabinet in a private session next week, where members are being asked to consider whether to continue to provide a £250,000 annual loan as the authority has done each year since 2012.

John Silker, chief executive of Magna Trust, said: "We appreciate this financial backing and support from Rotherham Council.

"Unlike many other visitor attractions, galleries and museums we do not receive grants which we can keep. Instead we pay back money we borrow at commercial rates of interest.

"Since I took over at Magna the plan has been to cut our need to borrow money. We are confident that we will be able to do that in the near future.

"We have a robust business plan in place and lots of plans for developments and increased income.

"We have already seen some massive improvements, such as turnover on the corporate and events side of the business increasing from £730,000 to more than £1million this year.

"And the future is looking very positive, with several exciting projects in the pipeline, which could transform Magna, create new jobs and bring further investment into the area.

"As well as being a versatile venue for corporate and leisure bookings, Magna continues to offer a great day out for all the family, with nearly 100,000 people enjoying the visitor attraction each year. It is also a valuable educational resource, with more than 26,000 pupils coming on school visits.

"Magna is very much part of the heritage of the area and has amazing potential to be so much more."

Cllr Emma Hoddinott, deputy leader of Rotherham Council, added: "As one of the three equal shareholders, the Council has provided significant support to Magna in the past. Magna has loans outstanding to the Council of more than half a million pounds and has not been able to reduce the debt it owes to the Council since the end of March last year.

"Over Christmas, Magna approached the Council to seek further urgent assistance in order to meet a short term cash flow shortfall, and this finance was made available under strict new conditions.

"We are conscious that there are more than 80 people employed by the trust, whose jobs would have been in immediate doubt had provision not been made available. However, we are working closely with Magna on their business plan to assess their future viability."

Magna website

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News: Options explored as Magna fights for future

Despite being on target to achieve a turnover of over £1m by the end of 2014-2015, the financial position at the Magna Science Adventure Centre remains fragile, with Rotherham Council set to step in with more financial support and more involvement on its board.

Set in the former Templeborough steelworks, Magna is a family attraction with more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Millions of pounds have been invested in conference facilities at the centre which plays host to nationally important music events, boxing, corporate launches and award ceremonies.

The facility is operated by the Magna Trust, a charity that by its constitution cannot go overdrawn. In times of financial difficulty the Council has provided long term and short term loans using their ability to borrow at much better rates than than commercial loans. It was no more serious when earlier this month the Council's interim chief executive approved an immediate £100,000 loan after the Magna Trust identified a potential cash shortfall of up to £100,000 before the end of March 2015, with an immediate cash requirement to fund the salaries of its 80 staff.

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Bookings secured within this financial year have put Magna well on target to achieve over a £1m turnover by the end of 2014-2015 but the current trading environment remains challenging with competition coming from Rotherham United's New York Stadium.

Along with its Christmas party nights, events at Magna in 2014 have included the Yorkshire International Business Convention, conferences for blue chip companies such as Mercedes Benz, Honda, HSBC and the Royal Mail; an exhibition by an industrial tool distributor; a pool tournament; a jobs fair; Weston Park Hospital's annual charity dinner, and a tattoo convention.

In 2006, Rotherham Council provided a £300,000, 15-year long term loan, with £195,000 currently outstanding but a "payment holiday" has been in place since 2013. In 2008, during the recession, the Council provided Magna with an unsecured one year working capital facility. This is reviewed annually by the Council's cabinet and a sum of £250,000 was agreed in March 2014. An additional unsecured £80,000 bridging loan facility was agreed in January 2014 which has not yet been repaid. It is believed that were it not for this financial support then Magna would have been forced to close.

Now, Council reports show that on the basis of current cash flow forecasts, Magna requires an increase in their facility from £250,000 to up to £350,000. The existing £250,000 council loan is set to be repaid, with outstanding interest of £6,250, on March 31 2015. The Council's cabinet are being asked to approve a new facility of up to £250,000 on April 1 2015, taking the total available for the year to £350,000.

The report states: "The trustees of the company are acutely aware of the challenges that the business faces, but are confident that the business has a long term future. Once the economic environment improves, they believe Magna can become a profitable business.

"Magna is a key facility for the borough both as a tourist attraction, education and training facility, conference and event space and local employer."

As a condition of the new loan, Magna will be required to develop and demonstrate that they have a sustainable business model for the facility. An independent review of this business plan would give the Council confidence that it can be delivered. The Council, as a director of the business, is also set to increase its board involvement so that it can shape the future direction of Magna and its position in the borough.

Legal discussions are also taking place so that the Council could secure the loan against the Magna property rather than just the offices fronting Sheffield Road.

Potential income opportunities that would reduce Magna's reliance on the Council are set to be discussed by the Council's cabinet in a private session next week. One option is Magna's keenness to explore with the Council the potential for a hotel on site, which will enable them to drive forward with the conference business.

The council report concludes: "Although showing signs of improvement, the current trading environment remains challenging. On this basis Magna's trading position remains vulnerable. However, without the Council's ongoing support the business will cease to trade."

Magna website

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News: Powerstar's manufacturing showcase

Manufacturing companies in Sheffield and Rotherham are being invited to visit two local companies to view Powerstar's energy saving technology installed on their sites, that is helping reduce their electricity bills and carbon footprint.

The Powerstar system is the only voltage optimisation system wholly designed and manufactured in the UK and works by reducing the the voltage supplied by the National Grid. It can actively reduce electrical energy consumption by an average of 12-15% of consumed electricity.

It was developed by Dr Alex Mardapittas at EMSc (UK) Ltd, which employs over 100 people and has manufactured more than 4,000 systems installed in 15 countries. Having grown up in Rotherham, the company expanded from its premises at Templeborough and relocated to St Paul's Developments' Smithy Wood Business Park in Sheffield, increasing manufacturing capacity by 500%.

In conjunction with Powerstar, Swann Morton in Sheffield and Newburgh Precision in Rotherham are opening their facilities to allow other manufacturing companies in the region to take a "behind the scenes" look at the voltage optimisation systems in operation, on site.

Attendees will also benefit from a short presentation from representatives of Swann Morton and Newburgh Precision about their experiences following the installation of the solution. Powerstar representatives will also be on hand to answer any questions relating to the technology.

Nick Lee, marketing manager at Powerstar, said: "Aimed at senior managers responsible for managing energy costs, we are delighted to be working with current clients to showcase real life voltage optimisation installations to other companies in the region. There is no better testimonial than a satisfied customer."

The installation tours will take place on February 11 at Swan Morton at 10am and on February 17 at Newburgh Precision at 1:30pm.

Powerstar website

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News: Tool retailer upgrades with Identicom

Leading tool manufacturer, Hilti is upgrading the protection for its employees from workplace incidents through the use of latest Identicom lone worker protection from Rotherham company, Connexion2.

Hilti provides leading-edge technology to the global construction industry and has been a customer of Dinnington-based Connexion2 and long-term Identicom user since 2010, has now upgraded to using the 8 series Identicom lone worker device with additional functionality to improve safety, give peace of mind to staff, and increase flexibility.

Designed to look like a normal ID badge, the Identicom system allows lone workers to raise an alarm, make an emergency phone call or send a text message. It is part of the lone worker solution SoloProtect, which includes the device, 24/7 manned monitoring, SIM card, mobile network usage, training, inclusive billing and monthly reporting.

Hilti are continuing to equip lone workers with Identicom in their retail stores, nationwide. The company, whose trademark red power tools are used on construction sites around the world, operate a direct sales model which includes 21 Hilti Centres across the UK.

Stuart Lamb, National Hilti Centre Manager, said: "The protection of staff is paramount, and having experience using the device, we know that it works, and we've always received great customer support from SoloProtect. In the past we have had an incident where a member of staff has been threatened, we also know that staff can be happy and comfortable with their device and this is why we have chosen to upgrade and expand our Identicom units."

Identicom and SoloProtect provide an innovative solution to the problems of verbal abuse and physical assault in a retail setting, by enabling the lone worker to discreetly obtain help at the push of a button, without breaking eye contact with an aggressor. Once an alert has been raised this then goes through to an approved 24/7 Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) where a dedicated member of the lone worker team can listen into and access the situation, and escalate to police if necessary.

Identicom also has a "Man Down" function that raises the alarm automatically should a worker lose consciousness due to a slip or fall, or an unknown health issue.

Craig Swallow, managing director of Connexion2, said: "We're really pleased that Hilti continue to see considerable value in the SoloProtect service we provide to their lone workers. Retail continues to be a sector that is increasingly waking-up to the risks facing staff working alone, whether it be for a limited time or the majority of a working day."

Connexion2 website

Images: Connexion2

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News: Cumulus on Clean and Cool Mission

Cumulus Energy Storage (CES), a high-tech start-up based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, has been selected as one of the UK's most promising cleantech SMEs, and has been in California to explore business opportunities.

Previously known as Wind Power Performance Ltd, and based in the AMP Technology Centre, Cumulus is developing prototype low-cost battery technology which can be developed commercially to cope with the rigours and requirements of the renewable industry.

Innovate UK, the new name for the Technology Strategy Board, is sending a small group of the UK's most promising early stage and innovative cleantech SMEs on a Clean and Cool Mission to connect with investors, partners and customers, culminating at the Cleantech Forum San Francisco in March 2015. The Mission will help winning companies: develop quality contacts with investors and partners, gain unique insight, profit from fresh stimulus, and improve pitch and profile.

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Storing the electricity from intermittent energy sources such as wind and solar at source, or "grid level," is a key problem due to the mismatch between the availability of intermittent wind or sunshine and the changing demand for grid electricity. Cumulus has received a patent for its grid-level energy storage battery with 1MWh-100MWh storage capacity which it hopes to be the lowest cost battery technology in the world.

The Bi-Metal copper-zinc battery is based on existing industrial chemistry and architecture already used at a larger scale in mineral processing. The technology allows this to be used as a re-chargeable grid-storage battery, using inexpensive, recyclable materials.

Cumulus is one of 19 projects to secure funding from the latest round of the Government's Energy Entrepreneurs' Fund (EEF) that was established in 2012 to help bring a range of new and innovative low carbon products to market. It already has a toe in San Francisco. The company is headed up by CEO Nick Kitchen, COO Darron Brackenbury, two professional engineers with MBAs, and Mike Horwitz, the principal inventor. Research is based in San Francisco and manufacturing here in South Yorkshire.

The chosen firms were in the US last week for an intensive itinerary of meetings, pitching sessions, coaching and netwroking. Nick Kitchin, CEO at Cumulus Energy Storage (pictured top, right), explained: "With support from the UK government, we are on track to have a 20kWh battery grid-connected in June 2015 and we are seeking additional finance to enable further product and business development.

"So, Cumulus Energy Storage, together with another 14 of the best Cleantech companies from the UK, ... presented two-minute pitches to a 50-strong audience of potential investors and business partners at "Intersection for the Arts" - a high energy event with professional presentations - followed by one-to-one meetings with investors, sowing the seeds for future investment and partnerships." You can see a pitch from Nick below:

Kevin Baughan, director of technology and innovation at Innovate UK, said: "With San Francisco at the heart of the cleantech ecosystem in the US, the Clean and Cool Mission is a fantastic opportunity for UK businesses to showcase their innovative technologies and identify growth opportunities in this thriving industry.

"The level of investment achieved by previous Mission attendees is incredible and we're really excited about the companies selected for this year's trip. Each chosen company has shown us new and exciting cleantech solutions with huge potential and addressing a multitude of environmental challenges faced by society today."

Kitchen and Cumulus took part in the previous Clean and Cool Mission to Colorado 2013, which led to offers of grant funding and the firm raising £250K from seed investors.

Also on that mission to Colorado was Iceotope, another hi-tech firm based on the AMP, that has worked with the University of Leeds to develop a new system that reduces the power consumed in data centres by using liquid rather than air to provide cooling, eliminating the need for power-hungry fans. Last year Iceotope successfully completed a round of fundraising for $10m to help further commercialise its innovative cooling solutions.

Rotherham's Metalysis, based in Manvers, and Xeros Ltd, based on the AMP have taken part in the missions in previous years. Last year, Australian minerals firm, Iluka Resources Limited, agreed to invest £12.2m in Metalysis, as it commercialises a low-cost way to manufacture titanium and other specialist powder metals. Xeros, which is commercialising a patented system using a unique method of special polymer beads rather than the usual large amounts of fresh water to clean clothes, raised £30m when it floated on the AIM stock exchange in 2014.

Cumulus Energy Storage website
Clean and Cool Mission website

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News: Rotherham Nando's to open later this year

Popular flame-grilled peri-peri chicken specialists, Nando's, is set to open its first outlet in Rotherham later this year.

A planning application was approved in the Summer for a new restaurant at Parkgate Shopping, which was recently ranked as the fifth best retail park in the UK, attracting an estimated 9.3 million visitors a year.

The plans, drawn up by Archial Norr and Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners, involve the demolition of the current Pizza Hut restaurant to be replaced by a new building to include a 372 sq m, 128 cover Nando's and a 93 sq m Subway. The new building would also include a cash machine and new toilet facilities. The proposal is for "a very modest uplift" in floorspace of just 250 sq m.

The park owners, British Land, together with potential operators and visitors have all shown an interest in an improved food and drink offer at Parkgate. A 377 sq m Frankie & Benny's restaurant opened in 2012 to complement to the existing instore cafés and fast food outlets.

This month saw Pizza Hut close its doors after 25 years on the park, serving an estimated five million pizzas. Manager Martin Jowett will be managing a Pizza Hut branch in Lincoln, and other staff have been relocated to Pizza Hut outlets in South Yorkshire.

Denis Copeland, manager at Parkgate Shopping (pictured back, right), said: "Pizza Hut has served local people very well over many years and will be missed. We wish all the staff very well in their new jobs, and look forward to welcoming Nando's when it opens later in the year."

Founded in South Africa in 1987, Nando's operates a casual dining restaurant group with 1,000 outlets specialising in chicken with influences from Portugal and South Africa.


The first UK restaurant opened in 1992 and there are now over 340 restaurants in the UK. Nando's Group Holdings, which runs the chain in the UK and Ireland, says that it serves half a million chickens a week and wants to add around 30 new restaurants a year. Ultimately owned by South African tycoon Richard Enthoven and Capricorn Ventures International, latest UK sales figures are a reported £535m for the year ending in February 2014. An outlet at Doncaster's Lakeside opened earlier this month.

Nando's website
Parkgate Shopping website

Images: Nando's / Archial Norr / Parkgate Shopping

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News: LEP hosting business conference

The Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) will hold its 2015 Business Conference this week, an event that brings together business people to discuss how to boost economic growth and create jobs in the area.


LEPs are the government's model to promote economic development. A collaboration between businesses and the local authorities they provide the strategic leadership required to set out local economic priorities, and better reflect the natural economic geography of the areas they serve.

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The Business Conference follows recent news that the LEP has secured a £320m "Growth Deal" for the Sheffield City Region – the result of significant effort from the local business community.

The LEP is looking to the private sector to play a big part in its plans to maximise the economic impact of the Growth Deal and as the Sheffield City Region seeks greater powers and funding from Government.

James Newman, chairman of the LEP, said: "The LEP gives local business leaders the opportunity to have more influence over the decisions that impact on our local economy. Our aim is to boost economic growth and create jobs in the Sheffield City Region and our future success depends on the ambition of our private sector to grow and grow.

"We are already working very closely with businesses from across the City Region and this Conference is an opportunity for our local private sector to come together, to take stock of our progress and set out future plans to work together to achieve our vision."

The Business Conference will include presentations from LEP Board members and other prominent business people in the City Region covering a number of areas of the LEP's work, including skills training, infrastructure investment, access to finance, European funding and inward investment.

The event takes place tomorrow (Thursday January 29) at AMRC Knowledge Transfer Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

Sheffield City Region LEP website

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News: New levy to raise £12m to support Rotherham's infrastructure

Developers wanting to build houses and out of town retail projects in the Rotherham borough will need to pay a levy under a new scheme designed to raise an estimated £12m to support local infrastructure. Office and industrial developments are set to be exempt.

Rotherham's recently adopted core strategy of the Local Plan includes a housing target of 14,371, or 958 dwellings every year over the next 15 years. 235 hectares of land in Rotherham will be needed to meet the broad requirements of 12 - 15,000 additional jobs.


The Planning Act 2008 introduced the concept of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) as a new means for authorities to seek developer contributions to help fund infrastructure and Rotherham Council has been consulting on how it could operate in the borough. Not obligatory, the CIL will, in the most part, replace Section 106 financial contributions and provide a more transparent way of raising money to help pay for the infrastructure required to deliver the Local Plan.

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Section 106 legal agreements are signed between developers and the council when planning permission is granted on a site by site basis. They often include funding that can be used for school places, improving the local road network or public transport provision. Section 106 agreements would still be used, where appropriate, to secure affordable housing and on-site mitigation.

A Draft Charging Schedule has been devised by the council that would see housing developers pay different amounts in different areas of the borough, ranging from £55 / sq m in areas like Whiston and Wickersley, to £30 / sq m in the Dearne, and £15 / sq m at Bassingthorpe Farm.

Developers proposing a new supermarket would pay £60 / sq m and the development of Retail Warehouse / Retail Parks would incur £30 / sq m. Business park office, industrial, and town centre comparison retail developments are not considered viable under current market conditions and would not attract any levy.

Studies into the borough's infrastructure concluded that total infrastructure requirements to support the Local Plan are estimated to cost around £99m and with the scarcity of Government funding, only £48.8m funding is anticipated from mainstream or known sources. The estimated income based on the proposed CIL rates is at least £12m.

An initial list of top priority infrastructure schemes that the CIL may be used to fund has been produced. This includes continuing the Rotherham Renaissance Flood Defence Scheme; highway junction improvements on the edge of the town centre, Templeborough, the M18 at Hellaby, and the A631 at Canklow; and improvements to public transport infrastructure on key bus routes. It may also be used for school places, doctor's surgeries, and expansion of police stations and public libraries.

The proposed development on former greenbelt land at Bassingthorpe Farm, where 2,400 houses are set to be built, is still expected to carry its own Section 106 agreement.

David Edwards, senior planning officer at Rotherham Council, said in a cabinet report: "Revenue from CIL has to be ring-fenced for infrastructure but the Council has flexibility to spend on its priority infrastructure to help deliver the development in the Local Plan.

"Failure to introduce a local CIL could severely restrict the Council's ability to ensure that new development contributes to the infrastructure required because of the limitation on pooling s106 agreements which will come into force nationally in April 2015. It is a priority that Rotherham adopts its CIL Charging Schedule as soon as practically possible after this date."

Consultation with key stakeholders has recently ended and the CIL is expected to be adopted as soon as possible.

Images: RMBC

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New: Newburgh Precision expands apprentice training school

Newburgh Precision Ltd, the high-tech precision engineering sub-contractor with a facility in Rotherham, has expanded its apprentice training school and invested in new equipment, doubling in size, due to the new intake of apprentices.

With apprenticeships at the heart of the business, Newburgh celebrated its 75th year in 2014 and decided to split its two sites, Rotherham and Bradwell, into two separate businesses.

Newburgh Precision at Templeborough has unrivalled expertise in machining precision components. It specialises in manufacturing "cells" that include dedicated groups of resources operated by a team of multi-skilled individuals that are committed to producing a product or products for one customer. Newburgh's customers come from the UK and around the globe, in the nuclear, defence, oil and gas, petrochemical, aerospace and power generation industries.

Part of the 85,000 sq ft Rotherham facility is currently being used by The Proving Factory, the £22m manufacturing initiative that will take low-carbon vehicle technologies designed by small high-tech British companies and university research departments and prove their viability in production to increase their chances of being adopted by major motor manufacturers.

Newburgh Precision are currently training six 2nd and 3rd year students with Newburgh Engineering in Bradwell currently having three 2nd year students. In addition Newburgh Precision are collaborating with The Proving Factory's component manufacturing operation to train eight 2nd year apprentices through its own apprentice training programme.

Due to the increased intake Newburgh Precision has added more machining resources, going from from 11 to 16 with three new centre lathes and two vertical milling machines.

Currently the apprentices have undergone initial training at the AMRC Training Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham and have joined the business to continue their learning to NVQ level 3 and beyond. All the apprentices are taking a multi path apprentice framework including extra CNC and manual units in milling, boring and turning enabling them to have a greater understanding of basic engineering principles.

A further six Tata Steel / The Proving Factory apprentices we will be on the Newburgh Precision site from the AMRC Training Centre in July 2015 after completing their first year training. A possible new intake of Newburgh apprentices is in the pipeline in the summer of 2015.

David Greenan, ‎managing director at Newburgh Precision, said: "The Newburgh Apprentice Scheme has seen our apprentices win national awards and we are proud to have been chosen by The Proving Factory to train their component machining apprentices."

Today, the company employs 148 employees (20% of which are current apprentices) over the two facilities. Around 90% of Newburgh staff are apprentice-trained, including all management right up to the present managing director, David Greenan. Its turnover has grown to over £11m - an impressive feat during a recession.

Newburgh Precision website

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News: Solicitors support hospice Make A Will Scheme

Where there's a will, there's a way to support Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, thanks to a month long initiative at local solicitors, Malcolm C Foy & Co.

Based at North Anston in Rotherham, Bluebell Wood provides care and support to families who have a child who has a life limiting condition and is not expected to live into adulthood. It has to raise over £3m each year to continue its work, and receives less than 5% statutory funding.

Throughout February, Malcolm C Foy & Co, with offices in Doncaster and Rotherham, is joining with other local solicitors and taking part in Bluebell Wood's Make A Will Scheme. This means that you can have your will professionally drawn up for the cost of £75 for a single will, or £120 for mirror wills, and Malcolm C Foy & Co will donate the whole fee paid by you to Bluebell Wood.

It is estimated that 30 million adults in the UK who do not have a will so the solicitors are calling on them to bite the bullet and get their affairs in order, and at the same time support the brilliant work of Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.

Sarah Hartley, director at Malcolm C Foy & Co, said: "We are really proud to be supporting Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice again this year by taking part in the Make A Will Scheme. Ensuring your final wishes are made clear and legally recognised is the best gift for your family, and if you can do some good for a fantastic charity at the same time then your really can't lose."

Malcolm C Foy & Co is a member of the Law Society's Wills & Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS), which provides a best practice quality mark for wills and estate administration advice that consumers can trust.

Malcolm C Foy & Co website
Bluebell Wood website

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News: Concerns for Rotherham jobs as O2 takeover talks confirmed

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) is seeking assurances over job security for UK employees as talks begin over the potential takeover of O2 UK, a move that affects hundreds of contact centre staff in Rotherham.

Hutchison Whampoa Limited, an investment holding company based in Hong Kong and parent company of UK telecom operator Three UK, announced last week that it has entered into exclusive negotiations with Spain's Telefónica for the potential acquisition of UK subsidiary, O2 UK. The deal could be worth up to £10.25 billion.

The CWU is the biggest union for the communications industry in the UK, with 201,900 members, and represents over 3,400 staff working in call centres, support and engineering roles across O2 and the associated Capita workforce. It has worked closely with O2, especially when Telefónica UK (O2) announced that Capita was their preferred bidder to form a ten year, £1.2 billion strategic partnership for customer management services in 2013. As well as Manvers, O2's UK call centres can be found in Leeds, Bury, Preston Brook and Glasgow.

O2 has had an operation in Rotherham for over 20 years. In 1992, Ventura signed a customer service contract to support the launch of BTCellnet into the consumer mobile phone market. The contact centre operation in Manvers went live with 40 staff and has grown to a capacity for 2,000 staff. Capita, the UK's leading outsourcing company, purchased Ventura and the Rotherham site in 2011 as part of a £65m deal. It currently operates contracts for British Gas, BMW, William Hill and The Department for Work and Pensions in the Dearne Valley.

Press reports in 2013 speculated that O2 was planning to outsource thousands of call centre jobs and make hundreds redundant. The union has criticised recent plans to axe over 100 roles providing back-office support and offshore much of the work to India and South Africa. A move it described as "ill-considered, over-hurried and could be viewed as a violation of previous agreements."

Andy Kerr, deputy general secretary of the CWU, said: "We hope that any takeover of Telefonica UK will protect UK jobs and maintain service standards for customers. O2 has been through a great deal of operational change in the last two years with the biggest outsourcing deal in the UK when staff and services were outsourced to Capita.

"Staff working for both O2 and Capita will be concerned about what these latest ownership talks mean for their jobs and the future of the company.

"We will be meeting with the CEO where we will be seeking assurances over the long-term job security of our members in Telefonica UK. We will also be seeking a meeting with Capita to discuss job security for those workers who have recently been outsourced."

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News: nCode set to grow through acquisition

HBM nCode, the leading brand of fatigue and durability software, has confirmed the acquisition of ReliaSoft, an industry leader in reliability engineering software and services, through its parent organisation, Spectris plc.

Shortly after moving from Sheffield onto the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, nCode was acquired by German company, HBM in 2008, in a deal thought to be worth around £20m. HBM is a wholly-owned subsidiary company of Spectris plc, a group specialised in precision instrumentation and electronic controls.

With reports showing that 50-90% of all structural failures are due to fatigue failure, HBM nCode supplies leading names including General Motors, Chrysler, Bombardier and Lockheed Martin with technology and software products for durability and performance analyses.

Following completion of the latest deal, worth around £28m, Arizona-based ReliaSoft will be integrated with HBM nCode. The move is expected to strengthen HBM nCode's growing engineering software business and will build on the strong brand recognition and reputation of both ReliaSoft and HBM nCode. The business is also expected to benefit from the investment and global network that will come as being part of HBM nCode, which has sites in America, France and Germany.

Customer needs are growing for fatigue, reliability, failure data analysis and asset management software, and the combined offering will enable accelerated growth in current markets and facilitate growth in new markets. This covers oil and gas, chemical, food, machinery, medical, electronics, power plant, and pharmaceuticals. The combined entity will strengthen software sales, marketing and development expertise for both organisations on a global scale: combining two organisations having proven track records of selling "Commercial off the Shelf" (COTS) engineering software.

Brian Dabell who leads the management team of the combined organisation, said: "This is a strategic move for HBM nCode. There are many advantages to this initiative and the leadership team at HBM nCode has a strong interest in developing and investing in ReliaSoft's technology and its highly talented workforce. This will provide the opportunity for our organisation to accelerate growth and expansion into key international markets, delivering exceptional value to our customers."

Eoghan O'Lionaird, business group director at Spectris plc, added: "We believe there is a strong cultural fit with HBM nCode, and that the combined capabilities will create additional value for our customers as well as increasing HBM's resilient revenue stream. The acquisition is also in line with our strategy to grow existing businesses through acquisition, and fits the Spectris financial profile of attractive margins and strong cash generation."

HBM nCode website

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News: Engineering skills fund "not fit for purpose"

Sheffield Heeley MP Meg Munn has criticised the Government's Employer Ownership Fund (EOF) as not fit for purpose after learning that just £720,000 of a £30m budget is forecasted to be spent in 2014/15.

Under the initiative, employers combine their own money with government funding, to invest in the training they need. The initiatives follow on from the recommendations of the Perkins Review of Engineering Skills published in November 2013, and sees the Government establishing partnerships with employers from across industry with multi-million pound collaborative investments in initiatives such as The National College of Advanced Manufacturing which will be joint-headquartered in Rotherham.

Industry experts informed the MP, who is also Patron of the Women's Engineering Society, that the application criteria for the EOF was both "onerous and too expensive", with numerous employers finding the £40,000 match funding requirement very difficult to meet. Of the £10m of the fund targeted at women in engineering, which closed on December 5 2014, only £104,000 has been spent and just three applications made in total.

Meg Munn, MP for Heeley (pictured at the AMRC Training Centre in Rotherham, said: "These figures call into question how serious the Government really is about tackling our significant engineering skills shortage. It's all well and good supposedly setting aside £30m to help employers increase the supply of engineers, but the funding has to be accessible. This has simply not been the case with the Employer Ownership Fund.

"The Minister must explain why only three applications were made to the "Developing Women Engineers" stream when he was adamant that there were no flaws in the application process.

"The Government claims to be serious about fully engaging employers to invest in the skills of women engineers, but an underspend of around £9.9m pounds calls this commitment into question."

Employers in the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector in the Sheffield city region are already working together to take ownership of addressing skills issues. KOSTAL, the German firm which develops and manufactures technologically advanced electronic, electromechanical and mechatronic products and has its UK base in Goldthorpe, which is in Barnsley, secured part of a £5m government fund that gives funding direct to businesses, enabling them to raise skills, create jobs, and drive enterprise and economic growth.

Brinsworth Training in Rotherham is also running the Academy of Manufacturing and Engineering Excellence (AMEE), which is part-funded by the Employer Ownership Fund and is targeting training up to 800 young people and placing 300 jobless into apprenticeships.

Employer ownership website

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News: Council prepares new plans for Waverley Link road

A new road to improve access to the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) and the £100m Waverley development in Rotherham is back on the agenda, with Rotherham Council hoping to find a less controversial route.

On the site of the former Orgreave colliery, Harworth Estates is progressing the biggest brownfield site development in South Yorkshire, covering 741 acres, an area bigger than Sheffield city centre.

Over a development phase of 20 years, the site will see the establishment of a new community of around 4,000 homes, shops, restaurants, schools, leisure facilities, health and community centres and parks. It also includes the AMP and large areas of the region's Enterprise Zone.

The £8.57m Waverley Link Road was to be a 1.2 mile long single-carriageway joining Highfield Lane and Retford Road to the South of the development, but government funding was denied in 2012. Residents campaigned successfully for the Woodhouse Mill Recreation Ground, which is owned by Sheffield Council and part of which was on the proposed route, to be dedicated as a "Queen Elizabeth II Field" and will be managed as a recreation ground / playing field for continued public benefit.

A £21m route over the River Rother and railway line was previously discounted on the grounds of cost and the ideal route proposed by planners was to cross the river and the Yorkshire Water sewage works. However, Yorkshire Water stated that this £10m route was unacceptable to them as it affected future expansion of the Sewage Treatment Works.

In 2013 the SCR Local Transport Body published a list of schemes which would have the biggest impact on jobs and economy in the Sheffield city region. The Waverley Link Road is one scheme of two schemes in Rotherham which appear on this list. The total funding available for the Lower Don Valley Waverley package is £51.1m, which could also be used to widen the Parkway to dual 3-lane.

A £30,000 contract is being put in place for consultants, Systra to provide detailed modeling for the Waverley link road that will help Rotherham Council submit a bid for a slice of the Sheffield City Region Investment Fund (SCRIF), a framework of funding streams to deliver essential strategic infrastructure to increase economic growth and jobs in Sheffield City Region.

As part of the Growth Deal with central government, £119.5m (£56.8m from the Local Growth Fund and £62.7m of previously announced large scale transport funding) was secured for the SCRIF.

Matthew Lowe, engineer at Rotherham Council, said in a report: "As the Waverley New Community development progresses there will be increasing pressure on the surrounding highway network. Waverley Link Road is proposed to relieve this pressure and if no bid is made traffic problems in the area would become worse."

The council hopes that work on the scheme could start in 2017.

The SCR Local Enterprise Partnership is already looking at the next round of government funding via Growth Deals. The partnership's priorities include some transport projects including making up the shortfall in the Bus Rapid Transit System between Sheffield and Rotherham that is already £8m over budget and a year behind schedule.

Waverley website

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News: Xeros adds US patent

Rotherham high-tech firm, Xeros, has strengthened its position in America after the United States Patent Office issued the company with a Notice of Allowance on a patent application covering its core polymer bead cleaning process.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), Xeros is a Leeds University spin-out that has developed a patented system using a unique method of special polymer beads rather than the usual large amounts of fresh water to clean clothes.

The company, which raised £30m when it floated on the AIM stock exchange, has a patent portfolio of 36 patent families "pending" and "granted", relating to various aspects of its polymer bead cleaning system. The core process patent has been granted in seven jurisdictions already, including Europe China and Japan.

Dr Steve Jenkins, an eminent polymer physicist, joined the company in 2009, when the only patent in place covered the basic interaction of polymer beads with garments. The company, which has about 25 research specialists, many of whom hold PhDs, a seven-strong engineering team and an in-house patent attorney, believes that Steve and the Xeros team's greatest single achievement to date has been finding a way for the beads to be extracted from the drum at the end of a wash cycle.

Research continues with the Xeros team working with partners at world leading chemical company, BASF, on "Gen 2" polymer beads that promise even better performance that could ultimately lead to all cold water washes and no need for the separation of light and dark colours.

Work is also taking place with the University of Northampton where Xeros' polymer technology is being used to replace the usual 90 tonnes of water with six tonnes of water to process one tonne of leather. There is also the potential use of the technology in the metal sector.

Speaking at a recent investor's day, Dr Steve Jenkins, chief science officer at Xeros, said: "We've got a whole raft of protection, basically around a core process, granted in all the key geographies - China, Japan, Europe, Canada ... A lot of people wait a long time for a US grant.

"We've got patents that go around our core interaction of beads with substrates, then the bead formulation itself, our great work around the machines, a couple of detergent patents - how we get them in, how we use them - and we've started with patents in the leather process and patents looking at metal, our next "beyond laundry" application."

Xeros website

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News: Call for Rotherham's best small shops

Independent retailers in Rotherham are being urged to enter the Best Small Shops Competition, a UK initiative backed by MPs.

Returning after a hiatus of four years, the Best Small Shops Competition is run by the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group and administered by the Independent Retailers Confederation. The competition is designed to bring small retailers to the attention of parliamentarians and the local community.

MPs have been asked to promote retailers from their constituencies to participate and all "small shops", i.e. independents and specialist retailers, whether selling goods or services in the UK, are invited to apply to be recognised as The Best Small Shop 2015. (Applicants must operate from a physical, business rated premises).

The Best Small Shop will be selected based on a number of criteria including innovation within the business, engagement with the community and entrepreneurial activities.

Sarah Champion, Member of Parliament for Rotherham, said: "I really do believe that Rotherham has some of the best independent retailers in the country and I hope that they take this opportunity to prove it.

"Rotherham's High Street in particular has seen a huge transformation. It now offers a fantastic experience for shoppers in the town and is attracting more and more visitors from other areas. It has been incredibly difficult in recent times for independent retailers and I am proud of the way those in Rotherham have stuck it out and made a success of their business.

"I want those retailers to now show exactly what they and Rotherham have to offer by entering this competition, and getting the recognition they deserve for the brilliant work they do supporting the community and creating jobs all year round."

Rotherham town centre was named as a "Portas Pilot" by the Government in 2012 and compiled a pot of £350,000 to support the council and its town team partners in realising its vision to create a vibrant and thriving town centre with a different retail offer by fostering new, independent businesses.

Applications must be submitted by 4pm on January 30 2015 via the Best Small Shops Competition website

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News: Auditors publish review into failed Digital Region project

Key council decisions regarding the failed £90m Digital Region broadband project in South Yorkshire were based on a business case full of assumptions with a lack of a robust sales and marketing plan.

Auditors, KPMG, have published an independent review into the local authority involvement in the project, which was switched off last year, and also found that the business case did not fully show value for money, board members put forward by councils did not include any IT specialists, council reports failed to fully show the importance of achieving rapid take-up of services to the financial success of the project, and that there did not seem to be a clear exit strategy as the project became more problematic and a positive outcome became more unlikely.

Rotherham Council, along with the other three authorities in South Yorkshire joined with the now defunct regional development agency Yorkshire Forward in 2006 to progress plans to bring continuous 25mb+ broadband to over 97% of South Yorkshire. At the time it was clear that BT had no plans to upgrade its own network in the region.

The project was financed by contributions from local authorities and included £30m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Work on installing the Digital Region network started in 2009, and by 2012, completion of phase one of the project saw 80% of homes and businesses within South Yorkshire able to be linked to the network.

A combination of delays in appointing a contractor to build and run the network, failing to adjust as necessary in a fast-moving business sector and zero income risk being allocated to the network operator made the business hopelessly uncompetitive. In 2013, shareholders agreed to halt their search for a private sector partner and begin a managed closure of the fibre optic network.

KPMG was commissioned by the councils to review the whole project cycle, from initial decision to invest to the decision to close the company. It comes after another broadband project was signed off by the same councils which will see BT deliver superfast broadband to 97.9% of South Yorkshire by the end of 2017.

The independent review's observations highlighted that the external reviews of the business case, which was drawn up by external consultants, carried out as part of the original due diligence raised concerns and issues, "which would be expected from such reviews." The business case included assumptions and projections of income that never came close to being realised. The review states: "There were many assumptions in the business case, for example around the technology developments and the financial projections. With the benefit of hindsight, a significant number of these fundamental assumptions were not realistic and did not come to reality."

Another issue was the lack of a robust and coherent sales and marketing plan, especially early in the process. Reports show that Thales, the contractor procured in 2009 to build and operate the network, would also provide sales and marketing services. Thales disputed this and by 2010 contractual notices were issued and Digital Region re-negotiated the contract in 2011 with Thales, reducing costs and transferring sales and marketing responsibility to Digital Region.

KPMG stated that "the lack of a robust sales and marketing plan earlier in the process did not help the Councils and DRL to demonstrate the achievability of the business plan."

When the Government were forced to step in and provide at least 45% of the funding to cover a significant proportion of the repayment of the European grant, it was revealed that Digital Region had only secured 3,000 of the 100,000 customers it needed.

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There is evidence that the aims of the project, including more people accessing high speed broadband, have to some degree been achieved – albeit not necessarily by Digital Region itself.

The key findings from the review report have been accepted by the leaders of the four South Yorkshire local authorities. Meeting minutes state that Sheffield Council admits that it "knowingly entered into considerable commercial risks. However, technological advances, market conditions and delays in obtaining European approvals all contributed to making the project fail commercially."

It adds: "It is true to say that if this project (and many others which Councils consider on a daily basis) were low risk from the outset, then they would likely be delivered by the market without there being a case for public sector intervention. We were trying to make a step change well ahead of a private sector solution and in doing so, knowingly entered into considerable commercial risk."

Assets were sold to Geo Networks, part of the American Zayo Group, and the cost of closing down the network was estimated to be £83m. Costs to date are thought to be lower than the worst case budget.

Rotherham Council set aside £9.58m to cover its share of the costs of the failed project. KPMG identified issues over value for money and a residual audit risk with the arrangements for the closure of Digital Region Ltd in 2014, later concluding that the authority "made proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the closure of Digital Region Ltd."

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News: Loan boosts Rotherham battery business

Industrial Battery & Charger Services Ltd (IBCS), one of the UK's largest independent suppliers of forklift truck batteries and chargers, is on the charge thanks to continued backing from Finance Yorkshire.

IBCS supplies batteries, chargers and service to the entire distribution chain, from original equipment manufacturers through forklift truck dealers to the end users.

Funding from HSBC and a £120,000 business loan from Finance Yorkshire enabled the company to move from its original base in Darnall, Sheffield, to premises at Hellaby in 2012. The business has since moved again – to premises twice the size at the same location – to meet the growth in customer demand.

Jonathan Jones bought IBCS with Glynn Woon in 2001 and together with sales director Paul Hewson they employ more than 20 staff. Turnover has grown from £2.6m in 2012 to more than £4m in 2014.

Jonathan Jines, managing director at IBCS, said: "The investment from Finance Yorkshire was crucial to our first move and then giving us the springboard to move again. We're 40% ahead of where we were last year and we are planning for strong growth in the next 12 to 18 months through new and existing customers."

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IBCS has seen significant growth in the hire of its forklift truck batteries and chargers where there is demand from companies moving large amounts of stock, particularly in peak seasons. IBCS is also investing in training and development.

Jones added: "We are bringing apprentices through the business as well as investing in the development of our engineers. We have got an excellent group of people and their customer service, the quality of our product and our modern warehouse allows us to operate more efficiently and achieve growth."

Melanie Reynolds, portfolio executive at Finance Yorkshire, said: "IBCS is a great example of a company that has significantly grown as a result of investment from Finance Yorkshire. It is a well-established company which has shown consistent growth and profitability and has the ability to further cement its leading position in the UK market."

Finance Yorkshire is the first European JEREMIE (Joint European Resources for Micro to medium Enterprise) initiative to become fully invested in England. Its £90m fund had three investment teams, Seedcorn Finance, Business Loans and Equity Linked Investments. It secured £45m from the European Investment Bank, together with £30m investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and £15m from the Government via Yorkshire Forward.

IBCS website
Finance Yorkshire website

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News: Rotherham town centre gets EV charging point

The first "on-street" fast charging point has been installed in Rotherham town centre, which will allow drivers to top up their electric vehicle battery charge, on the road, in just three to four hours.

The move is part of a South Yorkshire initiative that is making electric vehicles more affordable for business use. As part of a Government initiative to lower vehicle pollution by 28% before 2020, the Inmotion! project is encouraging the uptake and use of electrically charged vehicles. Funding from the Government's Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF), has been matched with local contributions to create a pot of £72m to support a range of schemes which bring environmental, health and economic benefits.

Councillor Maggie Godfrey, Cabinet Member for Safe and Attractive Neighbourhoods at Rotherham Council, said: "Plug-in vehicles help the environment by cutting pollution and offer a good driving experience and low running costs for drivers. We hope this new charging point will make the appeal for plug-in vehicles more attractive and encourage more electric vehicles onto the road."

The council is trialling the use of electric vehicles that could replace some of its fleet. This includes electric dustcarts for Streetpride operatives in the town centre and an electric car used for site visits. Riverside House, the council's £60m HQ, has charging points already installed.

As part of Inmotion!, 80 businesses could benefit from a grant of up to £10,500 for the flexible lease of a Plug-in van or £7,500 for a Plug-in car for up to 48 months, plus an additional grant of £500 towards the cost of installing a workplace charging point. Companies making the switch to Plug-in electric vehicles can also benefit from low running costs (approx. £2 for 80 miles), no road tax and a reduction in exhaust emissions to help create healthier and cleaner roads in our region.

Tom Finnegan-Smith, Transportation and Highways Projects Group Manager at Rotherham Council, said: "This is good news for those already using electric vehicles and will give greater boost to those who are thinking of making the switch to an electric vehicle. With new models coming to the market and very low running costs these vehicles are an increasingly attractive option for many drivers."

Plug-in vehicles available through the scheme are the Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, Renault Twizy and Renault Kangoo van, which can travel up to 80 miles on a single charge.

Existing charging points in Rotherham can be found at Woodhall Services on the M1 and at Aston Hall Hotel.

One of the first Hyundai ix35 fuel cell vehicles to arrive in the UK is in Rotherham as part of a showcase project for the world's first series-production hydrogen-fuelled car. ITM Power, the Sheffield-based energy storage and clean fuel company, has taken delivery of one of only six UK-bound ix35s, as they are creating a hydrogen station at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

Inmotion! website

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News: Xeros works worldwide

As Rotherham-based Xeros doubles up on its success in the American commercial laundry market, it also aims to boost sales here in the UK and has set its sights on the UK spa sector.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), Xeros is a Leeds University spin-out that has developed a patented system using a unique method of special polymer beads rather than the usual large amounts of fresh water to clean clothes.

Compared to conventional laundering machines, Xeros systems - the first genuine innovation in laundering for 60 years - typically require 70 per cent less water and only half as much energy and detergent. That means up to a 70 per cent reduction in effluent, and potentially reduced charges for its production, too.

In commercialising the polymer technology, Xeros has also proved its systems deliver superior cleaning, thanks to the polymer beads' ability to gently agitate stain and soil away from textile surfaces easily. For spas, this means that washing can be done at a lower temperature and the gentle cleaning action means towels and robes stay feeling soft and looking new for longer, postponing the need to buy new ones.

Tony Kerr, European sales and marketing director at Xeros, said: "Our system, offers spas a dramatic increase in the standard of items laundered and the opportunity to provide good-as-new robes, towels and other essentials to clients. In addition to enhancing the client experience significantly in this way, and therefore encouraging repeat visits, the Xeros service delivers buyers benefits such as cost reductions of typically 30 to 40%, is fast and efficient, and contributes to saving the planet.

"We have total confidence that once spas have experienced the Xeros difference, they won't even think about going back to using conventional laundering systems."

Xeros' current British-based partners include London dry cleaning specialist, White Rose Laundries and textile services group, Johnsons.

It is the billion dollar US laundry market that is the major target for Xeros, who launched on the AIM stock exchange last year. "Flagship" installations in hotels, commercial laundries and health clubs, especially in states where water is scarce, are expected to act as a foundation for a wider rollout in the commercial industry.

Bill Westwater, CEO at Xeros said at a recent Investor's Day: "Our current highest priority is to double up on the success we've had in the US and take advantage of things like water scarcity and water cost issues, and the financial incentives. Our first 25kg machine is a workhorse machine for our customers in the US but it isn't necessarily a workhorse machine for some of the customers that we are concentrating on in the UK. We're quickly developing a smaller machine that will be more of a fit and we're hoping that will come online in 2015.

"As far as the rest of the world, well, we're sort of like kids in a candy store a little bit. What we really want to do is master the US, create an unequivocal success model, and then we can move on. You name it - China, the Middle East, we are getting enquiries all over the shop. We just want to get the US right, do a bit more in our backyard and then we'll push on."

Xeros website

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News: Treeton Auto Services on the move

An enterprising Rotherham mechanic has worked flat out to relocate his dream business to larger premises to cope with growing demand for his services.

Dave Geldard formed Treeton Auto services eight years ago, and after securing new premises for his business at Canklow Meadows Industrial Estate in December, put Christmas on hold to renovate the new site, assisted by his wife Jeanette and two daughters in a bid to get the garage ready to open at its new site in the first week of January.

Dave began his career the day after leaving school, securing an apprenticeship with A TVR sports cars dealer in Harrogate, subsequently moving onto a Peugeot main dealer in Leeds where he became a Master Technician, before embarking on a career with the AA, where he was named as Regional Patrol of the year and progressed rapidly through the ranks to become an area manager.

His career took an unexpected turn, when just days after returning from his honeymoon, he discovered that his position with the AA was being made redundant. A short spell working with the RAC followed, however, Dave became increasingly disillusioned with the quality of repairs and levels of service he witnessed from garages throughout the UK and set about making plans to launch his own garage.

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Since launching Treeton Auto Services in 2008, Dave has secured a 100% quality rating for his services through the Government-backed motor industry body, Motor Codes – the only Rotherham garage, and one of just three across South Yorkshire to have attained a perfect record for the services delivered.

After receiving the keys to the building, Dave and his family set about transforming the empty shell, with all members of his family painting, decorating, building and cleaning Dave's dream garage which includes three service bays and he plans to introduce a new MOT station later this year.

Dave Geldard, owner of Treeton Auto Services, said: "When I told my wife and children that we were going spend to quality time together this Christmas, I think the last thing they expected was painting and decorating the new garage! The support they have given to me has been amazing and we were able to open the doors at the garage for the first time at the beginning of January.

"During my years working in roadside recovery, when cars couldn't be fixed at the roadside, I often had to recover the vehicles and deliver them to nearby garages to allow them to be repaired. I was often left underwhelmed, particularly when it came to the levels of customer service I witnessed and so decided to start my own business.

"We've come a long way over the past eight years. When I first started there was just me, but now Treeton Auto Services currently employs four full-time members of staff and following our relocation, we are looking to recruit additional members to the team.

"Relocating any business can be a challenging, but so far we've received a lot of positive feedback from our customers and we're excited to see what this year has to offer. I am extremely proud of how far this business has come and I believe it can only grow stronger."

To celebrate the re-opening of his business, Dave invited his first customer, Colin Gibson to help carry out the official opening.

Treeton Auto Services website

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News: £1.5m Fit For Nuclear funding call

The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) in Rotherham and the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) have unveiled £1.5m of support to help manufacturers enter or expand their presence in the growing nuclear sector.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the £25m Nuclear AMRC is a joint initiative between the University of Sheffield, The University of Manchester, and a consortium of industry partners. It provides a focal point for the bulk of the UK civil nuclear manufacturing industry supply chain, ensuring that manufacturers in the UK have the capability and capacity required to compete for nuclear new build in the UK and globally, from skills training to research and development.

MAS has been a huge success since its launch in 2002. It now plays a vital role in helping UK manufacturers to share knowledge, improve productivity and achieve success in an increasing competitive global economy.

Fit 4 Nuclear helps companies measure their current operations against the standards required to supply the UK's new generation of nuclear power stations, and take the necessary steps to enter the UK's rapidly developing £60 billion civil nuclear new build sector and £1.5 billion a year decommissioning programme.

Backed by top tier partners including Areva and EDF Energy, the initiative offers a business improvement journey that will identify strategy, implement new processes, secure necessary accreditations and provide supplier matching opportunities.

The latest call offers grants of around £10,000 to companies and will allow management teams to drive business improvements in areas, such as improved manufacturing processes, factory layout, bid writing, training plans and strategy. Participants can also take advantage of the Nuclear AMRC's Nuclear Connections initiative, which helps link manufacturers to specific supply opportunities from the industry's top tiers.

Mike Tynan, chief executive of the Nuclear AMRC, said: "Smaller manufacturers have a vital role to play in civil nuclear, if they can meet the standards demanded by the industry's top tier. To win work, Yorkshire companies need to make sure they have the ability to meet safety, quality and cost standards, and can demonstrate that their specialist capabilities can deliver value to clients.

"We created Fit For Nuclear to help manufacturers close any gaps in performance, and this new funding will provide vital support for anyone taking the next steps and getting ready to compete for nuclear opportunities."

Steven Barr, head of MAS, added: "Almost 200 businesses have already embarked on Fit For Nuclear and more than 75% of these have recorded immediate tangible bottom-line benefits. This is just the start and the current funding call will look to accelerate the number of companies getting involved.

"Nuclear is seen as a difficult sector to break into. Yes requirements are different, but it's not as problematic as some people make out. He continued: F4N can take you throughout the entire journey, from the online capability check and on-site assessment, through to the generation of an action plan and a 50% grant towards improvement or R&D projects.

"We've successfully worked with manufacturers involved in aerospace, automotive, electronics, marine and general fabrication, taking their core expertise and making them applicable to nuclear."

Fit 4 Nuclear website

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News: Stafforce launches four new offices

Fast growing national specialist recruiter, Stafforce, is expanding its national branch network by four new offices, including two in South Yorkshire.

With a head office on Percy Street in Rotherham town centre and a UK-wide network of 28 sites, Stafforce offers a range of services to clients through its Stafforce Recruitment and Nicholas Associates brands.

The company supplies temporary and permanent staff, from first time job seekers to semi-skilled workers, to manufacturing and production companies and the commercial and industrial sectors. Executive recruiter Nicholas Associates sources senior management and director-level candidates.

New operations in Sheffield, Doncaster, Wolverhampton and Docklands in London, extends Stafforce Recruitment's presence into the West Midlands for the first time, doubles its operations in the capital and significantly strengthens the company's position in the Yorkshire region.

Established in 1977 by local entrepreneur, now chairman, Nick Cragg, Stafforce enjoyed a turnover of £60m in 2013. Having seen demand for workers growing across all regions of the UK, the company believes it is the right time to put the company's expansion plans into action.

Nick Cragg, founder and owner of Stafforce (pictured), said: "Growing the Stafforce Recruitment brand on a national basis has been on the agenda for some time but with economic uncertainly blighting the UK and Europe over recent years, we needed to pick the right time to do it.

"We have seen demand for staff increase across the majority of sectors we service and that seems as if it is set to continue, so we believe that now is the time.

"We have some really fantastic people heading up our new offices with many years of recruitment experience between them. I'm extremely excited by the expansion, which is the first of a number we have planned over medium term."

Stafforce Recruitment previously had offices in Doncaster and Sheffield but consolidated its South Yorkshire operations during the recession as the region was hit by heavy job losses.

Nick, who also owns Nicholas Associates and is chairman of rugby club Rotherham Titans, added that re-establishing offices in Doncaster and Sheffield was the best way to serve the region's businesses as it enabled Stafforce Recruitment to become part of the commercial landscape of areas they were based.

He said: "There are a lot of exciting investment projects in South Yorkshire at the moment and our ambition is to be involved in those and to play our part in ensuring the economic potential of the region is realised.

"To do that without a strong local presence would be difficult, we need to be part of South Yorkshire's respective business communities so that is why it is important for us to launch these new offices now.

"But the same goes for London and Wolverhampton. We want to capitalise on the upturn in these areas also so need to be truly integrated into the community to enable that to happen."

Stafforce website

Images: Stafforce

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